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Recently, the team name of the Washington Commanders made headlines after former President Donald Trump expressed his desire for the franchise to return to its previous name, the Redskins.
Trump went a step further by threatening to obstruct the team’s plans to construct a new stadium in the capital city if they did not revert to the old name.
“My comments on the Washington Redskins have gained tremendous attention, but in a positive manner,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I might impose a condition on them that unless they switch back to the original ‘Washington Redskins’ name and discard the absurd title ‘Washington Commanders,’ I will not negotiate a deal for them to construct a stadium in Washington. The team would be more valuable, and the deal would be more thrilling for everyone.”
Fans watch as the Washington Commanders face the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Landover, Maryland. (Nick Wass/AP Photo)
Trump also referred to the Commanders as the “Washington ‘Whatever’s.’”
Washington D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser seemed unfazed by Trump’s recent statement, stating that she is concentrating on finalizing the stadium deal and does not anticipate a potential blockage.
“This is my belief—I have discussed the site and our team with the president on several occasions,” Bowser told ESPN. “He is a fan of Jayden Daniels, and he himself acknowledged at a press conference that this site is probably the best he has seen for a stadium. I have to go by what I have heard him say, and that is what we will stick with.
“Let me clarify: We are on the brink of finalizing this deal, and it is time to cross the finish line,” she added. “I cannot even fathom having to start over again. There is no one else with $2.7 billion waiting in the wings. This stadium is a catalyst and will attract other investments. Any obstacles to its completion should be discouraged. When you are on the brink of victory, all you want to do is secure it. No errors, no setbacks—let’s just get it done. And that’s our focus.”
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (Seth Wenig/AP Photo)
Commanders general manager Adam Peters also remains undeterred, both about the stadium deal and the team’s performance on the field, regardless of where they play.
“Whether it is about the stadium or any other non-football matters, those issues do not concern us,” Peters stated. “We are focused on our preparations for the upcoming season.”
Trump also suggested that the MLB’s Cleveland Guardians should follow suit.
“Cleveland should do the same with the Cleveland Indians. The Owner of the Cleveland Baseball Team, Matt Dolan, who is very political, has lost three Elections in a row because of that ridiculous name change,” Trump said. “What he doesn’t understand is that if he changed the name back to the Cleveland Indians, he might actually win an Election. Indians are being treated very unfairly. MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA)!”
The helmet of Washington Commanders NFL football team new quarterback Carson Wentz sits on a table during a news conference in Ashburn, Virginia, Thursday, March 17, 2022. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)
Both teams’ management has stated that there are no intentions to revert to their previous names or make any further changes.
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press.
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